Chip Crisis | Memory chip shortage worsens; Apple Mini Mac and Mac Studio shipping times extended to up to 5 months

SocialAnxietyStaker · 2026-04-07T04:46:12+00:00

As AI demand increases, the global memory chip shortage worsens, and Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio face inventory shortages, with certain models requiring a 4 to 5 month wait for delivery. This situation is mainly caused by the surge in AI server construction, leading to high-volume memory purchases and supply tightness, which is not expected to ease in the short term.

SocialAnxietyStaker

2026-04-07 04:46:12

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Driven by AI demand, the global memory chip shortage problem is becoming increasingly severe. Apple (Apple) has recently also begun sounding the alarm over insufficient supply. High-end models such as the Apple Mac mini and Mac Studio are facing serious inventory shortages. According to information shown on Apple’s official website, if you choose a model with a larger memory capacity, the estimated shipping wait time is up to 4 to 5 months.

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According to the latest data from Apple’s online store in Hong Kong, for the Mac mini currently estimated to ship with an M4 Pro chip and upgraded to 64GB of memory, the estimated shipping time is 16 to 18 weeks. This means that if you place an order now, you’ll have to wait until at the earliest after August to receive it. The base model Mac mini with an M4 chip and 16GB of memory also needs to wait at least one month before it ships. As for the impact on Mac Studio, it is even greater: for the version configured with an M3 Ultra chip and 256GB of memory, the shipping wait time is as long as 4 to 5 months, and the in-store pickup service also must wait until September.

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The overseas media MacRumors said that the impact this time is mainly due to a surge in demand for large-capacity memory triggered by the AI server construction boom. This has led to a stalemate in the global memory chip supply-demand situation, thereby tightening the supply of integrated memory required for high-spec Mac models. The overseas media expects that prices for traditional memory market specifications may fall, but prices for high-performance server-oriented products will still remain high. The stock shortage wave for high-end Mac mini and Mac Studio may be difficult to ease in the short term. In addition to hardware shortages, the market also speculates that this is related to Apple’s upcoming M5 series chip update planned for the second half of 2026. Apple may adopt a more cautious replenishment strategy to reduce inventory risks during the generation transition period.

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